The calendar has flipped to late October, and you can almost hear the faint sound of sleigh bells in the distance. For businesses, this means one thing: the festive season is no longer on the horizon; it’s rushing towards us. While your digital campaigns might be planned, it’s easy to think it’s too late for print. But that’s where you’d be wrong.
A well-timed, tangible piece of print marketing can cut through the digital noise of the Christmas rush, leaving a lasting impression on your customers. The key is to act now. It’s not too late to get organised and make a real impact. This is your essential last-minute checklist to ensure your print is ready for a profitable festive season.
1. The Gift of Guaranteed Sales: Vouchers & Gift Cards
This is non-negotiable. Gift vouchers are not just a thoughtful present; they are a product in their own right and a promise of future business. They are the perfect solution for indecisive shoppers and a fantastic way to boost your cash flow in December and guarantee footfall in the typically quieter months of January and February.
Action Point: Don’t settle for a flimsy piece of paper. Design your vouchers to feel like a premium gift. Opt for a sturdy 350gsm silk or uncoated card stock. Consider adding a touch of metallic foil to make them feel extra special. Ensure they are professionally designed, clearly state the terms, and come with a matching envelope for that perfect finishing touch.
2. The Personal Touch: Branded Greeting Cards
In an era of automated emails, a physical Christmas card stands out. Sending a branded card to your loyal clients and customers is a simple but incredibly powerful gesture. It shows you value their business, strengthens relationships, and keeps your brand top-of-mind. It’s not about a hard sell; it’s about building goodwill.
Action Point: Design a card that reflects your brand’s personality. Inside, leave space for a handwritten message – it makes a world of difference. To add extra value, you could include an exclusive discount code for their first purchase in the new year as a thank-you.
3. The Crowd-Puller: Event Posters & Flyers
Are you hosting a Christmas market, a late-night shopping event, a festive workshop, or a New Year’s Eve party? You need to shout about it. Posters and flyers are the most effective way to capture local attention. A well-placed A3 poster in your window or on a community noticeboard can draw in passers-by.
Action Point: Your festive designs should be bold, eye-catching, and easy to read from a distance. Use clear headlines and ensure the essential details—What, Where, When, and Price—are impossible to miss. Flyers can be used as bag-stuffers or for direct mail to targeted postcodes.
4. The Upsell Tool: Festive Menus & Table Talkers
For any business in the hospitality sector, this is crucial. Your menu is one of your most important marketing tools. A beautifully designed festive menu can entice diners to try your seasonal specials, book their Christmas party, or opt for that extra-special bottle of wine.
Action Point: Consider getting your menus laminated. Not only does this look professional, but it also protects them from spills and sticky fingers throughout the busy period. Use table talkers to promote your New Year’s Eve bookings, gift vouchers, or festive cocktail offers right under your customers’ noses.
5. The Finishing Touch: Branded Stickers & Packaging
How do you make every purchase feel like a special gift? With branded finishing touches. Custom printed stickers are a low-cost, high-impact way to elevate your packaging. They can be used to seal tissue paper, brand plain paper bags, or add a festive message to boxes.
Action Point: Order a roll of circular stickers with your logo and a simple “Happy Christmas” message. It’s a small detail that makes your brand look polished and professional, enhancing the customer’s unboxing experience and making your products instantly more shareable on social media.
The next few weeks will be a whirlwind, but there is still time to get these essentials sorted. Don’t delay—tick these items off your list now and get ready for a successful, profitable Christmas.